ERIE COUNTY CULTURAL FUNDING APPLICATION PROCESS KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“DEP”), in conjunction with the Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board (“EACAB”), announces the kickoff of the 2024 Arts and Cultural Funding Program with an online grant application opening Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

The Erie County Cultural Funding program provides annual General Operating Support grants to nonprofit 501c3 arts and cultural organizations within Erie County. Eligible organizations must apply each year for funding the following year.

“Arts and cultural organizations are a valued and vibrant sector of our economy, providing thousands of jobs, generating millions of dollars in tourism, recreation and entertainment spending, and enriching our community in multiple ways,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “My administration has always been a staunch advocate for these groups, supporting hundreds of organizations with nearly $77.5 million in operational funding and over $35 million in capital funding since I took office in 2012. Even in lean years, such as the pandemic, our support for these groups in total increased and Erie County benefitted as a result. I urge all to get involved in the 2024 funding program and let’s keep moving forward together.”

“Our award-winning program strives to ensure that public support is allocated in ways that have a measurable impact on our local community and that funds will be effectively executed and managed. While the lead time is long, the process and the honest feedback will actually help applicants to build capacity and grow stronger each year,” added Connie Campanaro, Chair of the Erie County Arts & Cultural Advisory Board (EACAB). gov/CulturalFunding

There are three (3) application levels. Each applicant will choose their qualifying level and complete one application per organization. Level 1 applications may request up to $50,000; Level 2 applications may request more than $50,000 and up to $200,000; and Level 3 applications are for requests of over $200,000. The 2024 grant amount requested should not exceed a dollar amount higher than 20% of the organization’s fiscal year 2022 operating expenses.

New applicants must register at www.erie.gov/ CulturalFunding well before the grant application deadline to access the grant portal. Only one account is allowed per organization. This account enables applicants to complete their application in multiple sessions before submission.

Prior applicants can continue using their existing accounts to update their 2024 application.

Organizations meeting the stated Eligibility Requirements must submit their application online at www.erie.

. The EACAB and DEP staff will review submitted applications.

Submission assistance is available on weekdays until 4:30 PM. Level 1 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 19. Level 2 and Level 3 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 26.

DEP staff and EACAB members will offer educational briefings to

What consumers can do to support local farmers

include an overview of the program, eligibility and requirements of grant applicants, a walk-through of the online application, creating an account, etc. Recordings of the briefings will be available on Erie County’s YouTube page.

Organizations are strongly encouraged to attend one of two applicant briefings offered in person and through Webex. The first briefing will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208). In-person attendees are not required to register in advance; however, those wishing to attend via Webex must register before 6:00 PM, March 1 at www. erie.gov/CulturalFunding.

The second briefing will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 2, 2023, and will include the same educational material but offered at an alternate location: the Hamburg Library (102 Buffalo St., Hamburg, NY 14075). The Hamburg Library has a limited in-person capacity; therefore, in-person and virtual attendance registration is needed. Registration links are available at www.erie. gov/CulturalFunding.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must have at least one (1) year as a 501c3 organization. All application attachments must be consistent with the organization’s federal and state nonprofit reporting requirements.

Funding is not guaranteed. All applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated performance measures such as the organization’s financial management, governance, and programming, with funding distributed according to available funds for the 2024 calendar year designated by the County Executive. Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect an organization’s application score.

Contact Mariely Ortiz at 716-858-1916 or mariely. ortiz@erie.gov if your organization cannot attend the briefings or representatives require special accommodations.

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be. All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers.

• Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food. Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and vegetables sold at chain grocery stores? Even individuals who don’t typically eat fresh fruit and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

• Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the e-commerce revolution and begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly from them. Farms may offer delivery or pickup, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers earn higher profits by buying directly from them.

• Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by local farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat, pork, or even desserts like pies. Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from overseas or distant farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers. • Spread the word. Get the word out after a satisfying experience with local farms and farmers. Whether it’s buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social media or wordof-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbors to support local farmers as well. Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbors, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

DEC Announces Second Successful Year of Youth Deer Hunt Pilot Program

Youth Hunters Record Another Safe Year With More than 1,800 Deer Harvests Reported

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced results of the second year of a pilot program allowing mentored 12and 13-year-old hunters to harvest deer with a firearm or crossbow. The results show youth big game hunters enjoyed another safe, successful, and wellattended season afield.

"Once again, DEC is hearing from families across the state who were thrilled to share their traditions of hunting and wildlife conservation with younger family members," Commissioner Seggos said. "DEC's review of data collected also shows youth hunters followed safety guidelines and showed both respect for wildlife and their fellow hunters while afield. I'm proud to see that New York's environment is in good hands with this next generation of environmental stewards."

Last fall, more than 9,400 12-and 13-year-old hunters, representing nearly 9,200 families, were eligible to hunt deer with a firearm or crossbow and youth hunters submitted more than 1,800 deer harvest reports.

DEC conducted a post-hunting survey that found 82 percent of youth hunters and 87 percent of their adult mentors were moderately or greatly satisfied with their youth big game hunting experience. Additionally, no huntingrelated shooting incidents, violations, or license revocations involving 12- and 13-year-old hunters occurred during the first two years of the pilot program.

In 2021, legislation authorized 12- and 13-year-olds to hunt deer with an experienced adult mentor in eligible areas of the state under a three-year pilot program. The law required DEC to analyze results of the pilot program each year and report its findings back to the State Legislature. DEC tracked participation, satisfaction, deer harvest, and safety compliance in the pilot program, and submitted a report to the New York State Legislature (PDF) sharing its findings from the 2022/23 hunting season and recommendations for future actions. Visit DEC's website for more information on youth hunting opportunities in New York.rent, increase business expenses, and make New York more unaffordable.”